The 17th European Space Conference: Shaping a Competitive, Secure, and Autonomous Future for EU Space
At the 17th European Space Conference, leaders from across the region gathered to discuss how Europe can strengthen its position in space, enhance security, and further drive innovation in a rapidly evolving global market.
Andrius Kubilius, the first European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, opened the 2-days discussions by emphasising the central role of space in shaping Europe’s future security and economic stability. “We are facing the dawn of a space revolution, and I want Europe to be part of it,” stated Kubilius, underscoring the urgency of swift action, increased investments, and enhanced preparation to confront the EU’s future challenges.
Key themes included addressing the fragmentation of Europe’s space market, particularly in the commercial sector. To strengthen supply chains, boost exports, and attract private investment, Kubilius called for a “Big Bang idea” to propel Europe into the global space market, emphasising how this endeavour requires both internal collaboration and a focus on innovation and private-sector growth.
Additionally, Andrius Kubilius recognised the impressive strides the European Union has made in space exploration and technology thus far, while cautioning that is needed to maintain and enhance Europe’s position in this rapidly evolving field.
Equally critical is Europe’s drive for autonomy. He highlighted the necessity for stronger European launcher capacities: Europe must develop faster, cheaper, and more competitive launcher systems, requiring concerted effort and investment into next-generation launcher technologies.
In the face of these challenges, Kubilius emphasised that Europe should continue to build upon its existing flagship initiatives of the EU Space Programme, like Copernicus, Galileo, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the Space Surveillance and Tracking (SSA) initiative, and the upcoming IRIS2 project because all serve as powerful tools that position Europe at the forefront of space exploration and applications. However, to secure this leadership, Kubilius advocated for a comprehensive EU Space Law to set consistent standards for companies across Europe, promoting growth and international collaboration.
Andrius Kubilius Welcome Address at the 17th European Space Conference
“There is no defence without space and no space without industry.”
Overall, Kubilius’s main points stressed the critical intersection between space and defence: “Space technologies have become indispensable in ensuring Europe’s defence and security, and the EU must invest in strengthening its space capabilities for defence purposes for the well-being prosperity and security of European citizens”.
As the first-ever European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, Kubilius’s appointment reflects the EU’s shifting priorities aimed at elevating defence. The European Commission is committed to building an effective European Defence Union to replenish and upgrade armed forces, increase capacity through flagship defence projects, develop a single market for defence, and improve EU–NATO cooperation, all while leveraging space technologies.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, echoed this sentiment: “The security of our satellites is the security of our societies.”
A call for stronger cooperation between the European Union and the European Space Agency was deemed vital by Joseph Aschbacher, Director of the European Space Agency (ESA): more synergies to avoid duplication of efforts. A collaboration which could be further strengthened also within the defence domain, as the European Space Agency is open to dialogue and ready to support defence activities. He also pointed out that public funding alone is not enough to support growth and innovative initiatives: private investment, particularly from venture capital, is essential to drive innovation and competitiveness.
Andrius Kubilius (European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space) and Josef Aschbacher (Director General of the European Space Agency Press Point: 17th European Space Conference